Freakonomics Radio 649. Should Ohio State (and Michigan, and Clemson) Join the N.F.L.?
84 snips
Oct 10, 2025 
Joined by Stefan Szymanski, an economist from the University of Michigan, Victor Matheson, a sports economist, and Domonique Foxworth, a former NFL cornerback, the discussion centers on the intriguing idea of promotion and relegation in American sports. They explore how this system could reshape the dynamics of college and professional leagues, enhancing competition and opportunities for players. Foxworth shares personal insights on the pressures of NFL contracts, while Szymanski and Matheson project the potential benefits and challenges of such a reform in the U.S. sports landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Different Origins Explain League Structures
- U.S. sports evolved with a sharp amateur/professional split that colleges and pro leagues kept separate.
- England integrated amateurs and professionals, enabling club pyramids and early pro development.
Foxworth’s Career Arc And Insurance Decision
- Domonique Foxworth describes his NFL journey from rookie contract to being traded and later signing a big contract.
- He recounts injury, insurance, and how those events shaped his career choices.
Pyramids Grow The Sport And Careers
- Promotion and relegation creates meaningful stakes throughout a sport's pyramid, expanding career opportunities and local engagement.
- It supports many more professional players and teams than closed U.S. leagues do.
